Chicago, IL to Providence, RI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Providence typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 977 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Providence
Moving from Chicago, IL to Providence, RI typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 977-mile move from Chicago to Providence, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,158 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,417 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,836 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 21, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Providence
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Providence may only cost $2,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,400.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($700–$2,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Providence movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Providence
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Providence. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→RI movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Illinois moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Providence
Many movers find Providence easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 32% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Providence versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,406 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $2,103 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,714 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $398,785 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $69,956 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,406 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 8.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.99% |
- Rent is about 8% more expensive in Providence than in Chicago. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 35% steeper in Providence compared to Chicago.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Providence and Chicago are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Providence. The cost of living for a single person there is 32% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Providence can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 42% lower compared to Chicago.
- Providence and Chicago have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Providence compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 21% more in Rhode Island than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Providence:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $293.60 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $5.19 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.36 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $63.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Providence, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Providence.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Providence.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Providence.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Providence.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Providence.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Providence
| Chicago | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 190,934 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 76 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 61 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 49.84 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 50.16 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Providence's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
- Providence's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Providence and Chicago are similarly walkable.
- Providence has a bike-friendliness score of 61 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Providence's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 49.84 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Providence is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.16 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Providence is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Providence move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Rhode Island, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Rhode Island, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Providence. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Providence
With your sights set on The Creative Capital, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Providence.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Elmhurst
- Federal Hill
- Fox Point
- Mount Hope
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blackstone
- Wayland
- College Hill
- Hope
- Mount Hope
- Fox Point
Things to do in Providence
With your move to Rhode Island complete, you can dive right into experiencing Providence. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Providence is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence Children's Museum, John Brown House Museum, and Providence Art Club.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Providence Bruins (AHL)Brown Bears (Ivy League)Providence Friars (Big East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Providence?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Providence. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Providence?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Providence? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Providence take?
The 977-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Providence, RI, takes two to seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Providence.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
